Hello and thank you for taking the time to read about the coolest kid I know, Teuvo Antilla. (Child of Chris "Critter" and Nikki, brother to Everett)

Teuvo is 9 years old (soon to be 10 in August!). Teuvo was born with MPS-1 Hurlers Syndrome.

Hurlers Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder where the body lacks a specific enzyme that breaks down mucopolysaccharides. There is currently no cure for MPS, but treatments can help to make the disease much more manageable. This syndrome prevents the body from digesting sugar. This causes a buildup of large sugar molecules in the body's lysosomes, progressively damaging organs like the brain and heart. Symptoms can vary in severity and appear in early childhood, continuing through adolescence. 

At the age of 1, Teuvo received a Stem Cell Transplant at Toronto Sick Kids Hospital. Teuvo has since been dealing with a complication post-transplant which is Hemolytic Anemia, a blood disorder that occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can replace them. Between this complication and Hurlers Syndrome, Teuvo and family travel to Toronto to attend multiple medical appointments throughout the year.

Between all the medical they deal with already, his disease has started to affect his spine and mobility. He has two areas that need to be addressed; Compression of the cervical spine, and compression down in the lower lumbar. Both areas have progressed and these surgeries will be separate to alleviate further complications.

The family received the news that the cervical spine decompression surgery will happen beginning of September. This surgery is more invasive with a longer recovery time (he will also need a halo device to add structure to his spine). The family will need to stay in Toronto where the surgery will take place and start the recovery process with an undetermined timeline.

Nikki is a self-employed hair stylist and Chris will be unable to work during this time. Due to the undetermined length of recovery, the family plans to be together in Toronto as Teuvo will need his support system.

Without both of their full incomes, I am hoping we can come together and support this beautiful family when they will need it the most.

This will greatly assist the family in relieving the regular stressor's of life on top of the worries of surgery and recovery. Funds received will assist with living expenses at home in Thunder Bay and staying in Toronto for the surgery and recovery time. This will help support this initial surgery and anything beyond will go towards his second surgery (date currently unknown).

Thank you so much for reading and supporting Mr Teuvo Antilla, the biggest animal lover I know with the sweetest smile and unreal sense of humour and quick wit.

If able, please support. If you are not in a position to do so, please share on behalf of our close friends.

Thank you

Jesse Palmer-Loffredo